Easy DIY! No Soldering, Clamps, Crimp Rings, Glues, Unions, or that expensive crimping tool! in my design it’s just 2 push-to-fit “shark-bite” connectors! (located outside of collector) and because it’s all one piece of tube, the unit has no potential internal leak points. PEX is sturdy, tough and rigid.
source/image: desertsun02
Water temp rating range 33F to 185F-200F (93°C) water!And if temps hit or fall below 32F (0°C) it’s freeze damage resistant! it’ll freeze but doesn’t break. the connectors are made to last at least 25 years and pipe is rated 50+ years!
Note that PEX, if left “uncoated” can be damaged by the UV rays of the sun *but painting and/or primer coating it blocks all of those (making it sun-safe) and a great choice for DIY solar applications! A very detailed list of the parts i used is shown near the end of the video (last 40 seconds or so) if you like the video.
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Couple of notes: a PEX COIL water heater looks similar to a coiled black poly (or irrigation pipe) one, but PEX is much stronger and more durable.//desertsun02
